I am ill.
Usually I am a very healthy person who never gets even the mildest of seasonal colds. Even though I am here at school in New England where the weather changes are as unpredictable as the clouds shifting on a windy day. I have never once fallen ill in the one and a half year period that I have come to this country for college.
But, this morning I woke up and I was ill. My throat hurt and my body felt numb. I barely made it to my 8:00am class. The other two classes slipped right past my brain as I came into my room and snuggled under my warm and cozy blanket. However, I have another class at six pm and I have to make it to that one. My throat still feels sore, I am a completely vulnerable and I wish my mommy was here.
The classes that I missed left me with some free time that I then used to research a little bit on what was going on in terms of common illnesses around campuses all over the country. I figured with the midterms and the tests coming, I thought that I should keep my fellow college go-ers updated on the health issues to be concerned about and take precautions towards.
First things first:
flu- Remember to get your flu shots in time, and keep your innoculation records updated. As for symptoms: high and sudden fevers, prominent headaches and body aches, runny noses, coughing and sore throats are common too. So watch outand make sure you get a doctor's opinion when you get one of those colds.
mononucleosis (more effectively known as mono)- Symptoms of infectious mononucleosis are fever, sore throat, and swollen lymph glands. Sometimes, a swollen spleen or liver involvement may develop. Again, make sure you are taking proper precautions and gettin those fevers checked by your doctor.
mumps- Mumps is a very contagious illness, caused by a virus. It inflames the parotid salivary gland beneath the ear lobe with extension onto and below the jaw. Symptoms of mumps may include fever, general aches and uncomfortable swallowing for one or two days before this gland swells and becomes tender to touch.
Wow, I just completely freaked myself out with these disease sypmtoms!! I guess I better go get this cold thing checked out by someone! well I am off for the day......got to go make an appointment at the infirmary.
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Sorry you are sick:( But, don't freak out. There are so many minor things with those same symptoms, including the common cold. If you don't feel better tomorrow or are running a temp over 100 degrees, you might want to go to the doctor.